Magdalene M. (Kraft) Garman

Magdalene M. (Kraft) Garman, 76, died of natural causes June 24, 2023, at her home in Monticello, MN. Magdalene was born August 31, 1946, in St. Michael, ND, the daughter of Joseph and Juliana Kraft.

Magdalene graduated from high school in Devils Lake, ND, Class of 1964. Following graduation, Magdalene worked at a variety of jobs, including working at a restaurant where she was introduced to her future husband, Eugene Garman, by his mother, Hildegarde. They were married on June 17, 1967. The couple had two children. Robert was born in 1967 and Michele, born in 1971. Magdalene held a number of jobs, including working at a floral shop, two different eye doctors’ offices, and an insurance company. Her most important job was as a mother, grandmother and community member. She spent countless hours attending school events, volunteering on committees and working with her church community.

Magdalene had a love for all children. She and her husband had many “grandchildren.” Some of them were born grandchildren, but the majority were kids that were chosen by Magdalene and her husband, Eugene. Magdalene accompanied her husband on many mission trips to Guatemala to help build homes there, and sponsored several children through Common Hope. She volunteered in prison ministry, was active in her church, was instrumental in the establishment of the church gardens at St. Henry’s in Monticello. Magdalene always loved working with plants, from gardening to yard work. She loved playing games with the grandchildren, and had a surprising competitive streak. She loved to bake her legendary cakes, pies and other treats, and spend time with her loved ones. She was at the center of a vast circle of friends, family and community members.

Magdalene was predeceased by her devoted husband, Eugene; parents, Joseph and Juliana Kraft of St. Michael, North Dakota; her beloved daughter, Michele; her sisters, Alice Kraft, Eva Kraft, Eleanor Pace (John), Julie Spiedahl (Gerald); brothers, Frank Kraft (Kaye), Edward Kraft (Agnes), and Lawrence Kraft (Mary).

She is survived by her son, Bob; daughter-in-law, Sheryl; granddaughter, Kate; and grandsons, Jake Garman and Cory Henrich; sisters, Mary Rutten (Dan), Veronica Saxburg (David), Margie Kainz (Leo), Dorothy Comer; and brother Daniel Kraft (Allison). She is also survived by close family friends, Carmen Segade, and Pedro, Pau and Jon Valdivieso; as well as Shane, Skyler, Jameson and Quentin Soderquist; along with a multitude of other family friends and extended relatives.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at the Church of Saint Henry, 1001 E. 7th St, Monticello. Refreshments will be in the social hall following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Magdalene may make donations to No Kid  Hungry/Share our Strength at www.nokidhungry.org (or by mail at Share Our Strength, PO Box 715475, Philadelphia, PA 19171-5475.

Serving the family is Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello, MN. 763-295-2918. www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com

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